Responding to a longstanding Turkish demand that Israel rid itself of its suspected nuclear weapons, Mr. Peres hinted at the existence of nuclear weapons in the country, which Israel has never officially confirmed.

“Once the Middle East will be free from threat, there won’t be any need for nuclear weapons. Israel is a country which is being threatened with destruction. Turkey is a country nobody is threatening,” Mr. Peres said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Erdogan said he plans to travel to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank “within the month, in April.”